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Redmond, Wash. – The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors has selected Dr. Jon Holmen to be the next Lake Washington School District Superintendent. They announced their decision on Monday, March 23, 2020.

Redmond, Wash. – The Lake Washington School District has been following guidance from Public Health in an effort to stay open as long as possible. In light of the current information shared today by our elected officials, we believe it is time to plan for alternative ways to serve our community and families. 

In collaboration with our School Board of Directors and our Lake Washington Education Association, we have made the decision to close all schools from March 12 through March 27, and re-evaluate any further closures during that time. 

In light of today’s news about a King County resident’s death related to the Coronavirus (or COVID-19), and that additional cases are anticipated, we wanted to reach out to share what Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is doing to monitor and prepare for a potential increase in frequency of the Coronavirus in our schools.  

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    Preschool

    Three preschool students work on a project.
    Three preschool students work on a project.

    Application and enrollment information and overview of the preschool programs offered in LWSD

    The LWSD Preschool Program focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program. (Child 3 years old by August 31 of the school year.)

    Preschool students attend class four days per week. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The morning class is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the afternoon class is from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Program locations for 2019-20 are below:

    •  Kirkland: Bell Elementary, Juanita Elementary, Muir Elementary, Sandburg Elementary
    •  Redmond: Wilder Elementary, Dickinson Elementary
    •  Sammamish: Carson Elementary

    To inquire about space available for the current 2019-20 school year, please contact the Preschool Registrar at 425-936-1226. 

    Preschool attendance location is determined by your home address. 

    2020-21 Preschool Registration

    Program locations for 2020-21 are below (Subject to change prior to school starting in September):

    •  Kirkland: Bell Elementary, Juanita Elementary, Muir Elementary, Sandburg Elementary
    •  Redmond: Old Redmond Schoolhouse, Wilder Elementary
    •  Sammamish: Carson Elementary

    Registration for the tuition-based Lake Washington Preschool Program is handled at the District Resource Center. The cost of the program for the school year is $4,000 ($400 monthly payments September - May). Upon confirmation of classroom enrollment, a $400 deposit will be required.

    For new families, Preschool Interest Statements received by March 5, 2020 will be entered into a lottery for available seats in the LWSD preschool program. The lottery will be held the week of March 9, 2020 and families will be notified by March 20, 2020. Due to school closures, the notification date has changed to April 24, although it is likely you will be notified prior to this date. Students not securing a seat through the lottery will be placed on the waitlist. 

    After the lottery, the deposit and complete enrollment packet is required to secure the student’s seat. Enrollment packets and deposit due date will be determined at time of notification. Deposits/enrollment packets not received at the LWSD Resource Center will forfeit their seat and the seat will be made available to the next student on the list. 

    After the lottery, families can complete a Preschool Interest Statement to be added to the waitlist or or to fill any remaining seats. 

    Families on the waitlist will be called and offered seats as they become available.

    The LWSD Preschool Program focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program.

    LWSD offers the following preschool programs:

    Head Start

    Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive early childhood program offering services for the entire family and focuses on school readiness. Families whose income meets the federal poverty guidelines qualify for the Head Start component of the preschool program. The program is designed for children ages 3 and 4, with priority for enrollment given to 4-year-olds. Verification of income must be received before a family can be considered for placement in Head Start. A Family Support Specialist works with families to obtain all needed income documentation.

    Head Start Preschool hours*

    Morning classes: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Afternoon classes: 12:30 – 4 p.m.

    Head Start locations: A.G. Bell (Kirkland) and Dickinson Elementary (Redmond)

    *Times may vary slightly at individual schools.

    Learn more about the Head Start Preschool Program

    Lake Washington School District Preschool Program

    The program offers a comprehensive early childhood learning experience in preparation for kindergarten. Classes include typically developing children from the community as well as students receiving special education.

    Preschool hours*

    Morning classes: 10 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
    Afternoon classes: 1:30 – 4 p.m.

    *Times may vary at individual schools.

    Learn more about the Lake Washington School District Preschool Program

    SNAPS

    Students Needing Additional Programming Support (SNAPS) is a special education program serving eligible preschool students ages 3-5 with a primary diagnosis of autism. The SNAPS program is designed to supplement the LWSD preschool program and better meet the needs of students with autism and their families. It is an intensive, early-intervention program that involves extensive evaluation, planning and progress-monitoring to help better prepare children for kindergarten entry.

    SNAPS hours:*

    SNAPS students attend both preschool and SNAPS.

    10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 12:30 - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, in addition to preschool

    *Times may vary slightly at individual schools.

    Learn more about the SNAPS Program

    Program structure

    The preschool program school year begins in mid-September. Classes are located at elementary schools across the district. Students are assigned to the school nearest their home with available space. Average class size is 15-18 students. Preschoolers attend four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

    Preschool children and families have access to a variety of services, which may include:

    • Unique education experiences
    • Literacy program
    • Vision, hearing & developmental screenings
    • Parent education opportunities
    • Health and nutrition education for children and families

    Classroom activities are based on the Creative Curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten.

    Preschool

     

    Contact Us

    Preschool Registration Questions?
    Contact: Nichole Townsend
    Preschool Registrar
    ntownsend@lwsd.org
    425-936-1226

    Concerns about your child’s development or been referred for an evaluation?
    Contact: Linda Pankow, Child Find Coordinator
    lpankow@lwsd.org
    425-936-2760

    For more information on the Head Start preschool program:
    Contact: Katie Walker 
    kawalker@lwsd.org
    425-936-1170 option 2.

    Kim Brenner
    Associate Director, Early Childhood Learning
    kbrenner@lwsd.org
    425-936-2766